Reagan: His Life and Legend aims to be the definitive biography, and it succeeds. It’s a thoughtful, absorbing account. It’s also a surprising one." ―Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker Named one of the "Nonfiction Books to Read This Fall" by NPR and the New York Times Son of the Midwest, movie star, and mesmerizing politician―America’s fortieth president comes to three-dimensional life in this gripping and profoundly revisionist biography.

In this “monumental and impressive” biography, Max Boot, the distinguished political columnist, illuminates the untold story of Ronald Reagan, revealing the man behind the mythology. Drawing on interviews with over one hundred of the fortieth president’s aides, friends, and family members, as well as thousands of newly available documents, Boot provides “the best biography of Ronald Reagan to date” (Robert Mann). The story begins not in star-studded Hollywood but in the cradle of the Midwest, small-town Illinois, where Reagan was born in 1911 to Nelle Clyde Wilson, a devoted Disciples of Christ believer, and Jack Reagan, a struggling, alcoholic salesman.

Boot vividly creates a portrait of a handsome young man, indeed a much-vaunted lifeguard, whose early successes mirrored those of Horatio Alger. And contextualizing Reagan’s life against American history, Boot re-creates the world in which Reagan transitioned from local Iowa sportscaster to budding screen actor. The world of Hollywood from the 1930s to the 1950s would prove significant, not only in Reagan’s coming-of-age in such classics as Knute Rockne and Kings Row but during the twilight of his film career, when he played opposite a chimpanzee in Bedtime for Bonzo , and then his eventual emergence as a television host of General Electric Theater , which established his bona fides as one of the leading conservative voices of the time.

Indeed, the leap to California governor in 1966 seemed almost preordained, in which Reagan became a bellwether for a nation in the throes of a generational shift. Reagan’s 1980 presidential election augured a shift that continues into this century. Boot writes not as a partisan but as a historian seeking to set the story straight.

He explains how Reagan was an ideologue but also a supreme pragmatist who signed pro-abortion and gun control bills as governor, cut deals with Democrats in both Sacramento and Washington, and befriended Mikhail Gorbachev to end the Cold War. A master communicator, Reagan revived America’s spirits after the traumas of Vietnam and Watergate. But Boot also shows how Reagan was armored in obliviousness.

He traces Reagan’s opposition to civil rights over forty years, reveals how he neglected the exploding AIDS epidemic, and details how America experienced a level of income inequality not seen since the Gilded Age. With its revelatory insights, Reagan: His Life and Legend is no apologia, depicting a man with a good-versus-evil worldview derived from his moralistic upbringing and Hollywood westerns. Providing fresh examinations of “trickle-down economics,” the Cold War’s end, the Iran-Contra affair, as well as a nuanced portrait of Reagan’s family, this definitive biography is as compelling a presidential biography as any in recent decades.

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Journey through the extraordinary life of Ronald Reagan, a true American icon whose impact resonated far beyond the walls of the White House. From his humble beginnings in Illinois to his influential presidency that reshaped national policies, this compelling biography delves into the intricate world of Ronald Reagan. Through detailed narratives and highlights from key moments in his career, readers are invited to explore the man behind the politics, understanding the personal and professional milestones that defined his legend.

Reagan's transformative presidency reshaped American domestic and foreign policies leaving a lasting legacy. With charisma and wit Reagan united the nation fostering an era of optimism and economic growth. Reagan's unique ability to communicate solidified his reputation as a great storyteller and transformative leader.

Reagan: His Life and Legend offers readers a detailed exploration into Ronald Reagan's transformative journey. The book begins with Reagan's formative years portraying the challenges and aspirations that shaped his character and values. From his experience in Hollywood to his rise in politics his journey symbolizes the quintessential American dream.

This biography delves deeply into the political charisma that characterized Reagan's leadership. Chronicling events through the Cold War and the domestic economic revival it presents a portrait of a leader determined to usher change. Readers witness his strategic initiatives to dismantle communism and foster peace.

Throughout the pages the book intricately weaves personal anecdotes and historical facts painting a multidimensional picture of Reagan. It emphasizes his philosophy grounded in optimism and self-reliance driving transformative policies. The narrative delves into his communicative prowess and political strategy.

Reagan's resilience and ability to connect with the public even amidst criticism become focal points in his portrayal. His capacity to forge alliances and negotiate treaties highlights his diplomatic acumen. Readers gain insights into the complexities of his administration.

This biography captures not only Reagan's public achievements but also a glimpse into his private life. It explores the interplay between charisma and power reflecting on how Reagan's enduring legacy continues to shape modern political discourse globally.

This book intricately blends historically rich narratives with personal accounts offering readers a comprehensive view of Reagan's life and legacy Through insightful storytelling it unravels the complexities of both his celebrated and contentious moments in leadership. By presenting a balanced portrayal of Reagan as both a family man and a political leader the book paints a holistic portrait of a man whose influence extends beyond politics It highlights his character and wit grounding his legendary status in relatable human experiences. With meticulous research and engaging prose this biography elevates the traditional recounting of history allowing readers to explore the nuances that defined Reagan's presidency It invites readers to think critically about his policies while appreciating the human aspects of his journey.